As of early 2019, the City of Manningham community will be able to go for a swim, see a GP (General Practitioner) and book in for a physiotherapy session, all from one convenient location – Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

Belgravia Leisure, the operator of Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre, has announced a new partnership initiative with Tristar Medical Group, which will see additional health services available at the centre.

The new arrangement means that community members can now complete a number of health-related appointments at the centre.

Tristar Medical Group will occupy a fully operational, accessible medical consulting space at Aquarena, for GP and allied health services. A full-time physiotherapist has already commenced practice, with a GP and further allied health professionals beginning at the site in early 2019.

The Tristar allied health professionals will complement the services offered by two Exercise Physiologists currently practicing at Aquarena.

As supported by various studies, the main aim of the initiative is to create more links for the community to use exercise as medicine. In a study conducted by Vic Uni, physical activity is a critical component in preventing health complications and has been linked to ‘the prevention of many chronic diseases such as including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, mental health conditions, and musculoskeletal conditions’.

In addition to improving physical health, those that are prescribed physical activity as medicine, also have the opportunity to engage with fellow members and create new relationships with the local community. All of which, can improve an individual’s mental wellbeing.

Centre Manager of Aquarena, Aylie Spence says “This is a natural progression – it just makes sense. We have a lot of members and customers coming into to do water-based physiotherapy already, and we wanted to find a way to make access to health services even easier. Having health professionals on site means less time wasted going to and from appointment locations. For our elderly patrons or those with a disability, this structure is especially important”.

The initiative marks a significant step toward driving great positive health outcomes in the City of Manningham. Manningham Council CEO, Andrew Day, said “Manningham Council welcomes this initiative between Belgravia and Tristar. Anything that reduces barriers for our community in seeking quality health care is important to us”.

Belgravia CEO Nick Cox says, “The alignment between our services and Tristar’s services present a fantastic opportunity to increase knowledge around the link between chronic illness and physical activity”.

Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre facilities, programs and services have been designed to allow people of all abilities to lead active and healthy lifestyles. The community can locate Tristar services besides reception, on ground level. To find out more about the centre, contact Aquarena on (03) 9848 0000.